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KSP Hikes Grand Canyon to Raise Funds for Trooper Memorial

Date of News Release: 07/03/2014

(FRANKFORT, Ky.) -- On a week dedicated to commemorating the independence and freedom of America, the Kentucky State Police is launching a fundraising effort to build a memorial that will honor all KSP troopers who currently serve and those who gave the ultimate sacrifice with their lives. 'The Trooper Project' is sponsored by the Kentucky State Police Citizen's Academy Alumni Association (CAAA) and will include a seven-and-a-half foot tall bronze statue of a trooper that will be centrally located at the new KSP Training Academy in Frankfort, Ky. KSP is partnering with the CAAA to raise funds to build the memorial, as tax dollars will not be used to support this effort.

KSP Commissioner Rodney Brewer advised agency employees of the project through a newsletter and made the first challenge to raise funds by sharing his 'Honor Hike' event. Brewer, along with Lt. Col. Jack Miniard, will hike the Grand Canyon from rim to rim asking supporters to donate one dollar to 'The Trooper Project' for their effort.

Brewer and Miniard are incurring all expenses associated with the trip and donating their vacation time for the 'Honor Hike' fundraiser.

Brewer says the concept behind the hike is larger than the trek across the Grand Canyon and hopes that it will generate interest in 'The Trooper Project.'

"The statue is all about those who have made the ultimate sacrifice by giving their lives in the line of duty," says Brewer. "It's also about all the troopers who have served since 1948 and made tremendous sacrifices on a daily basis to protect the citizens of the Commonwealth."

KSP records indicate that the agency has lost 27 officers to line-of-duty deaths since its inception.

The Honor Hike event will take place August 22-24, 2014 and the troopers' progress will be updated via social media throughout the 25-mile hike. This event is just one of several agency personnel and the CAAA will host to raise funds for 'The Trooper Project.'

KSP spokesman Sgt. Michael Webb says that social media will also play an intricate part in promoting 'The Trooper Project.'

"We are fortunate to have many active followers on our social media platforms," says Webb. "Through these venues we are able to reach thousands of people who may have an interest in supporting this worthy project. When you multiply those numbers by a one-dollar contribution, the results could be substantial."

'The Trooper Project' has enlisted the services of acclaimed sculptor, Benjamin Victor. His impressive and detailed works are displayed with pride across the U.S. and the world. The 35-year-old Victor is the only living sculptor to have two statues in the U.S. Capitol.

The agency has already received a pledge of support from the Kentucky State Police Professional Association and interest from several private corporations across the Commonwealth.

For more information about 'The Trooper Project' and scheduled fundraisers, visit the website at www.thetrooperproject.com. Contributions can be made through the The Trooper Project website or by mailing a donation to: The Trooper Project, 919 Versailles Road, Frankfort, Ky. 40601.